Cross-wearing factory worker wins £22,000 after dismissal

A CHRISTIAN factory worker has won more than £22,000 for religious discrimination after being sacked for refusing to take off a crucifix necklace.

Jevgenijs Kovalkovs said wearing the cross, which was a gift from his mother, signified his “commitment to his belief ”.

However, he was asked to take it off by his line manager, who did not carry out a risk assessment, but said she felt it could be a “hazard” at the chicken wholesalers where he worked, an employment tribunal heard.

Mr Kovalkovs, a member of the Russian Orthodox Church, was later seen wearing it again at work but refused to take it off. He was then fired on the spot for disobeying orders. He sued the firm and has been awarded £22,074 after the panel found the policy and its application was “indirectly discriminatory”.

The hearing was told Mr Kovalkovs joined 2 Sisters Food Group Ltd in Coupar Angus, Scotland, in November 2019 and was promoted to the role of quality inspector the following month.

The Dundee hearing was told Mr Kovalkovs wore the silver necklace every day and that it had been sanctified during a baptism ceremony for his godchild. However, company policy stated: “Jewellery must not be worn in the production areas on site, with the exception of a single plain band ring.”

A further exception was made for religious jewellery, subject to a “risk assessment”, the panel heard.

Judge Louise Cowen concluded: “It was clear to us that [Mr Kovalovs] had lost a job as a result of the discrimination towards him. His religion and the wearing of his necklace were of deep and profound meaning to him.”

A Coupar Angus spokesman said: “We note today’s judgment and at this stage cannot comment any further.”